Information handling system mouse with selectable input button response

ABSTRACT

An information handling system mouse has input buttons at an upper surface with selectable response to an end user press. An arrangement of magnets cooperate to establish a distance for the input button to move to complete an input at a switch to provide the end user with a selected of a spring or cantilever type of input response. For example, electropermanent magnets are configured to attract or repel a permanent magnet so that the amount of input button press motion adjusts along with the resistance against an input button press.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of informationhandling system input devices, and more particularly to an informationhandling system mouse with selectable input button response.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Information handling systems process information with processingcomponents disposed in a housing and interact with an end user throughinput/output (I/O) devices. Desktop information handling systemsgenerally have a stationary housing that relies upon peripheral I/Odevices, such as a peripheral keyboard, mouse and display thatcommunicate through cabled and/or wireless interfaces. Portableinformation handling systems generally integrate processing components,a display, keyboard and a power source in a portable housing to supportmobile operations. Portable information handling systems allow end usersto carry a system between meetings, during travel, and between home andoffice locations so that an end user has access to processingcapabilities while mobile. Portable information handling systemstypically also support interactions through peripheral I/O devices,which generally provide more intuitive and convenient interactions.

A mouse generally has a housing that fits in an end user's palm andslides on a desktop surface with a position sensor exposed at a bottomsurface to detect motion across the desktop surface that is reported toan information handling system as a pointer input and presented at adisplay as a cursor movement. Two or three buttons are exposed at a topsurface to accept “click” inputs. A mouse can experience substantialimpact forces over a typical usable life and is therefore generallybuilt in a robust manner having the mouse housing and electroniccomponents assembled with screws. Although assembly with screws providesa durable construction, recycling the mouse generally requires removalof the screws before the plastic of the housing can be crushed andshredded.

Two components of a mouse that tend to wear and fail over time are thescroll wheel and click buttons. A mouse scroll wheel is typicallyassembled to have a metal spring that contacts against a notched wheelto provide an end user with a tactile feedback of wheel rotation. Overtime the spring and notches wear to degrade the tactile feedback. Asimilar difficulty can arise with the input buttons, which move by aspring or cantilever rotation of a key plate to contact a switch thatdetects the button input. A cantilever key plate tends to provide agreater button motion to record an input with less precision for the enduser to know when the input is made. In contrast, a spring rotationtends to provide a more precise input with less motion of the key platefor high sensitivity with less of a spring back feel for the end userafter the button input is complete. Some of the difficulty in thetactile feel of an input button press is addressed by generation of aclick sound made when an input press is performed. In quiet workingenvironments, the click can become a distraction to the end user orothers.

Another difficulty that arises with a mouse is that the small size ofthe housing and the use of the upper surface as the input region makesplacement of power and other buttons difficult. Often such buttons areplaced in the bottom of the mouse where they are hidden during normaluse, however, bottom placement of the button makes its use inconvenient.Further the room available on the bottom surface is minimal andplacement of multiple buttons on the bottom can interfere with movementof the mouse on a desktop surface. Generally, a mouse will have a“sleep” mode that reduces power consumption of the mouse when not in useby powering down the processing resource of the mouse and waking whenthe mouse moves. Although such sleep states decrease power consumptionand increase battery life, some power draw is typically involved inmonitoring for mouse motion, such as by keeping the position sensorpowered up or detection motion with an accelerometer. Further, even in asleep mode the processing resources tends to dissipate some power.

Often, to help make a workspace more convenient, a mouse and keyboardwill interface with a display through a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM)switch. Once an end user configures a keyboard and mouse to interactthrough the display, the end user can more readily interact in a desktopenvironment by coupling to the display without having to separatelycouple or wirelessly interface with the mouse and keyboard. Further, theKVM switch can provide the end user with access to multiple informationhandling systems through the display so that the end user can switchbetween systems, such as a desktop and portable system, while using thesame peripheral devices with both systems. One difficulty with relyingon KVM switches is that the end user generally has to access an onscreendisplay menu or physical switch of the display to select whichinformation handling system to use.

Other information handling system functions are sometimes coordinatedfor an information handling system through a variety of differentperipheral devices in addition to a keyboard, mouse and display. Oneexample is the use of a camera and microphone to perform communication,such as with a video or audio conference. Often the camera andmicrophone are integrated in portable information handling systems.These integrated devices are convenient but tend to have lower qualityaudio and video than peripheral devices. Audio capture in particular canpresent difficulty since the typical microphone can capture a wide arrayof sounds near an information handling system. This can result in a lowquality conference since general environmental noise and human speakingby non-participants can detract from the listener's ability to discernaudio content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which improve mouserecyclability.

A further need exists for a system and method that provides a moredurable mouse scroll wheel and input buttons.

A further need exists for a system and method that manages power usageat a mouse.

A further need exists for a system and method that improves audiocaptured at an information handling system.

A further need exists for a system and method that improves end useraccessibility to a KVM switch.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for manufacture and use ofa mouse in association with an information handling system and otherperipherals like a keyboard and display.

More specifically, an information handling system mouse is constructedof a plastic chassis having a full perimeter around side that accepts abottom surface within the perimeter for a clean appearance and solidconstruction. A plastic inner frame heat stakes in place for durableconstruction that survives repeated compressive forces yet isconstructed without metal coupling devices, such as screws. A scrollwheel couples into the chassis at the inner frame and includes variablemagnetic attraction applied to the scroll wheel as it turns to providean end user a tactile feedback of scroll wheel rotation. A magneticfocus lens directs the magnetic force towards a ferromagnetic wheelhaving spikes and valleys so that magnetic force working against scrollwheel rotation varies as the spikes and valley rotate past the magneticfocus lens. Additional adjustments to the variable magnetic force may beprovided by adjusting the magnet or magnets that provide magnetic fluxto the magnetic focus lens. In one embodiment, electropermanent magnetsare included with the mouse key input buttons to provide a userconfigurable button response, such as a cantilever response having asubstantial button movement associated with an input versus a springresponse having a small movement. The button switch is located in anacoustic isolation box to selectively adjust audible feedback providedby a switch input.

Mouse power consumption is managed when the mouse is idle with a motionpower switch that cuts off power use when the mouse is idle andreestablishes mouse operations by a motion-initiated power application.A conductive ball held within a conductive container has an open circuitthat closes when motion of the mouse places the conductive ball intocontact with the conductive container so that a processing resource ofthe mouse can return to an operating state and manage power until themouse becomes idle again. The power switch is located at a bottomsurface of the mouse and includes a channel for vertical travel whenplaced in the on position so that additional inputs may be made at thepower switch through a tactile button input made by vertical travel ofthe power button from an on position achieved by a sliding motion of thepower button.

In addition to the mouse, a keyboard peripheral is provided thatenhances audio capture for communication functions and ease-of-use witha KVM switch through control offered by a touchscreen display includedin the keyboard. An array of microphones disposed around the perimeterof a touchscreen display included in the keyboard provide a directionand range to spoken voices so that only voices in a defined zone areincluded in audio communicated through an information handling systemconference. The microphones interface with a digital signal processorprocessing resource that use a first artificial intelligence engine tofilter only voices in the defined zone and a second artificialintelligence engine to filter out non-voice sounds. The keyboard displayprovides real time feedback to the end user of captured sound qualityand control over the audio capture parameters. In addition, the keyboardintegrated display interfaces with a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switchthat selects from plural information handling systems which communicateswith a keyboard and mouse coupled to the display. The keyboard displayprovides control of KVM functions normally managed through an onscreendisplay menu supported by the display scalar. The keyboard displayoffers a graphical user interface at the end user's fingertips to toggleKVM control between different information handling systems interfacedwith the display.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that amouse having a durable construction is more readily recycled without theuse of screws to couple the mouse components together. The mouse scrollwheel provides a tactile feel through magnetic flux that does not sufferfrom physical wear over time. An end user can select whether to have acantilever or spring button input feel and also select the amount ofaudible click feedback provided by a completed input. Power use when themouse is inactive is eliminated where no power draw is needed to monitorfor mouse motion. A display included in a peripheral keyboard managesKVM switch activation and other functions, such as microphone audio forrecording end user voice in support of a videoconference. Audio capturedby speakers integrated in the keyboard has a high quality and filtersout undesired voices and noise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts an information handling system that processes informationwith processing components disposed in a housing and interfaced with aperipheral display, peripheral keyboard and peripheral mouse;

FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, depict a mouse having a unibody chassisconstructed without screws;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for manufacture and assemblyof a mouse without screws or metallic coupling components;

FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B depict a system for variable scroll wheel spin speedand tactile response;

FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B depict an alternative system for providing variablescroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel;

FIGS. 6 and 6A depict an alternative system for providing variablescroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel;

FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B depict an alternative system for providing variablescroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel;

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a process for automatically activatingfast and normal scroll wheel rotation;

FIG. 9 depicts a side cutaway view of an example of a mouse having apush button key plate that configures to cantilever and spring types ofbehavior;

FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing mouse inputbutton cantilever behavior for a push button;

FIG. 11 depicts a side cutaway view of an example of a mouse having apush button key plate that configures to cantilever and spring types ofbehavior;

FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing mouse inputbutton spring type behavior for a push button;

FIGS. 13, 13A and 13B depict a power system to wake a mouse from an offpower state that avoids passive power dissipation;

FIGS. 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D depict a flow diagram and associatedcircuit diagrams of operation of the motion power switch illustrated inFIG. 13 above;

FIGS. 15, 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D depict an example of a system configuredto manage mouse click sound volume when a mouse input button is pressed;

FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G and 16H depict a mousesliding button with orthogonal activation;

FIG. 17 depicts an upper perspective view of a keyboard as an example ofplural directional microphones that cooperate to improve an end useraudio capture experience;

FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram of digital signal processing thatprovides filtered human voice captured in a defined range and field ofview of a keyboard having an array of microphones;

FIG. 19 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing voice soundscaptured at a keyboard microphone array for use in an audio or videoconference supported by an information handling system;

FIG. 20 depicts an example embodiment of presentation at a keyboardintegrated display of audio capture conditions for a microphone arrayintegrated in a keyboard;

FIG. 21 depicts a keyboard having a display that presents low audiocapture quality;

FIG. 22 depicts a flow diagram of a process for indicating at a keyboarddisplay a quality of audio captured by the keyboard microphone array;

FIG. 23 depicts a block diagram of a system for managing a keyboard,video, mouse (KVM) switch of a display through a keyboard integratedisplay;

FIG. 24 depicts an example embodiment of the type of KVM controlavailable through a keyboard touchscreen display;

FIG. 25 depicts another example embodiment of the type of KVM controlavailable through a keyboard touchscreen display;

FIG. 26 depicts another example embodiment of the type of KVM controlavailable through a keyboard touchscreen display;

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict a flow diagram of an example embodiment ofkeyboard touchscreen KVM control and associated use interfaces; and

FIG. 28 depicts an example embodiment of management of dual display anddual information handling system KVM interfaces with a keyboard display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system mouse and keyboard have enhancedreliability and support a variety of functions, such as audio captureand KVM switch control. For purposes of this disclosure, an informationhandling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate ofinstrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect,record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and mayvary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Theinformation handling system may include random access memory (RAM), oneor more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) orhardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types ofnonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handlingsystem may include one or more disk drives, one or more network portsfor communicating with external devices as well as various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display.The information handling system may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an information handling system 10 processesinformation with processing components disposed in housing 12 andinterfaced with a peripheral display 30, peripheral keyboard 32 andperipheral mouse 34. In the example embodiment, housing 12 is a desktophousing configured to operate in a fixed location; however, inalternative embodiments a portable housing may be used that integrates apower source and display in the portable housing to operate the systemwhen mobile. A motherboard 14 coupled to housing 12 providescommunication between a central processing unit (CPU) 16 that executesinstructions to process information and a random access memory (RAM) 18that stores the instructions and information. An embedded controller(EC) 20 manages operating conditions of the processing components, suchas application of power, maintenance of thermal constraints andinteractions on a physical level between peripheral devices and CPU 16.For instance, EC 20 accepts keyboard and mouse inputs made by an enduser for communication to CPU 16. A solid state drive (SSD) 22 providespersistent storage of instructions and information during power downstates, such as by storing an operating system and applications in flashmemory for retrieval by EC 20 at application of power. A wirelessnetwork interface controller (WNIC) 24 provides wireless communicationwith external networks and peripheral devices, such as through WiFi andBLUETOOTH. A graphics processing unit (GPU) 26 further processes theinformation to generate visual images for presentation at a display 30,such as by communicating pixel values through a display cable 28.

In operation, an end user interacts with the processing components ofinformation handling system 10 through peripheral devices, such as akeyboard 32 that accepts key inputs, a mouse 34 to accept cursormovement and button inputs and a display 30 that presents information asvisual images. The peripheral devices may communicate through wirelesssignals with integrated WNIC's that support BLUETOOTH or other types ofwireless personal area networks (WPANs) or may interface through acable, such as a USB Type A, B or C port and cable. In addition topresenting visual images, display 30 may accept inputs through atouchscreen, such as a capacitive touch detection surface. As is setforth below in greater detail, display 30 may include a keyboard, video,mouse (KVM) switch that allows keyboard 32 and mouse 34 to interfacethrough display 30 with information handling system 10. Keyboard 32 hasa conventional QWERTY key configuration, although other types ofconfigurations may be used. As is set forth in greater detail below,keyboard 32 may include an LCD that presents a touchscreen interface,such as a number pad or a controller of the KVM switch. Mouse 34includes a position sensor on a bottom side that detects mouse movementsrelative to a desktop surface and reports the mouse movements toinformation handling system 10 to command movement of a cursor presentedat display 30. A pair of buttons on the upper surface of mouse 34 acceptend user presses as inputs that are reported to information handlingsystem 10, such as right click and left click inputs. A scroll wheellocated between the buttons rotates forward and backwards to command anup and down scroll of content at display 30. In various embodiments,various conventional configurations of keyboard 32 and mouse 34 may beused in the present disclosure with the improvements to the artdescribed herein below in greater detail.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, a mouse 34 is depicted having aunibody chassis 36 constructed without screws. By building mouse 34without screws, recycling mouse 34 after its useful life is less complexand costly since screws cannot typically be included in a plasticrecycle process and must generally instead be manually removed beforethe plastics are crushed. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 , mouse 34is assembled in a chassis with double injection molding of parts thatare heat staked or ultrasonic welded together so that screws or anysimilar metallic coupling devices are not used. In alternativeembodiments, other types of plastic couplers may be used, such asadhesives. FIG. 2 depicts an example of mouse 34 having a chassis 36molded as a single piece of plastic that encompasses a completeperimeter of the body and has a sphere-like palm rest upper surfacemolded with side walls to create a rigid form factor resistant to highsqueeze forces that can result from normal use. A front bridge 42 formsa box-like overall structure that leaves a bottom opening to accept abottom surface and a central upper surface opening through which leftand right main input buttons 46 and a scroll wheel 44 extends. Gaps andsteps in chassis 36 are only for moving parts to be exposed, such asleft and right main input buttons 46 and side buttons 38. In the exampleembodiment, side buttons 38 are integrated with chassis 36 by heatstaking or ultrasonic welding while a gap 40 allows some movement ofleft and right main input buttons 46 relative to chassis 36. With thisarrangement, the only static assembly gap/step is from the bottomsurface assembly coupling to chassis 36 at a bottom side where theassembly location is hidden from view for an aesthetically pleasingfinal appearance. The result of the assembly, as further detailed below,is a high rigidity unibody mouse assembly with minimal assemblygap/steps and ready recyclability.

FIG. 2 depicts an upper perspective view of the fully assembled mouse34. FIG. 2A depicts a bottom perspective view of mouse 34 with thebottom surface 48 coupled to chassis 36 and having a position sensor 50exposed at a central location to detect motion of mouse 34 relative to adesktop surface. Bottom surface 48 couples within an interior of theperimeter of chassis 36, which forms a complete circumference aroundbottom surface 48 for improved structural integrity. The sides ofchassis 36 have enhanced thickness in locations that endure the greatestamount of pressure due to squeezing, such as proximate the side buttons.FIG. 2B depicts a side perspective view of mouse 34 having the inputbuttons removed and showing a logo 48 and side buttons 38 integrated inchassis 36. To help ensure recyclability and also used recycledmaterial, logo 48 has ABS and 50% PCR, while chassis 36 and side buttons38 have ABS plus 65% PCR. FIG. 2C depicts a bottom perspective view ofmouse 34 with the bottom surface removed to expose an inner frame 52 ofABS plus 65% PCR that provides structural support to chassis 36 and forinternal components, such as a circuit board that couples the positionsensor with a WNIC to communicate mouse inputs to an informationhandling system. A light funnel 54 couples to inner frame 52 to directlight from an internal illumination source at logo 48. Heat stakes 56 atdistributed locations of inner frame 52 assemble the inner frame to thechassis without metal coupling devices. Inner frame 52 provides astructure to hold input buttons and the scroll wheel in place. Inaddition, side buttons 38 couple by heat stakes 56 to chassis 36 tocouple the side buttons in place and also add to the structural supportof the chassis. Bridge 58 spans across the opening of opposing sides ofchassis 36 to complete the perimeter within which the bottom surface ofthe mouse couples into place.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a flow diagram depicts a process formanufacture and assembly of mouse 34 without screws of metallic couplingcomponents. The process starts at step 60 with a logo double shotinjection molding to integrate a light emissive material in the chassismain material and aligned to accept illumination from the internal lightfunnel. At step 62, side buttons are coupled to the chassis with a heatstake that avoids metallic coupling such as screws. At step 64, thelight funnel is heat staked to the chassis aligned to directillumination at the logo. Once the side buttons and light funnel arecoupled in place, the process continues to step 66 to heat state theinner frame to the chassis. The inner frame reinforces the chassisstructure strength and to help maintain rigidity without screws or othermetallic coupling devices. Once the chassis is complete, the bottomsurface is coupled within the bottom chassis opening perimeter andhaving electrical components assembled in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, a system for variable scroll wheelspin speed and tactile response is depicted. FIG. 4 depicts a frontperspective view of a scroll wheel assembly 68 that rotates to acceptscroll inputs from an end user. In the example embodiment, scroll wheel44 rests in a cradle 72 to rotate about a central axis so that a Hallsensor 70 detects rotation in increments to report to an informationhandling system as scroll commands, such as by wireless communication.FIG. 4A depicts a front perspective view of scroll wheel 44 from anopposing side to illustrate a measurement position of Hall sensor 70relative to a magnet 86 that spins with scroll wheel 44 to providescroll wheel rotation measurements through change of magnetic flux. Inalternative embodiments, alternative types of sensors may be used, suchas an optical sensor. Returning to FIG. 4 , scroll wheel 44 couples to asteel wheel 74 having gear-shaped spikes that extend with even spacingabout its circumference. Steel wheel 74 spins with rotation of scrollwheel 44 so that the gear-shaped spikes provide variable magnetic forcerelative to a magnet placed nearby. In the example embodiment, apermanent magnet 78 provides a magnetic flux through a magnetic focuslens 76 that operates against steel wheel 74 to generate a variable spinspeed and tactile feedback for rotation of scroll wheel 44. Magneticfocus lens 76 is, for example a ferromagnetic material that concentratesthe magnetic flux proximate spikes of steel wheel 74 so that the impactof the magnetic flux on scroll wheel 44 varies based upon the distanceof steel wheel 74 to magnetic focus lens 76 as spikes of the steel wheelpass by the tip of magnetic focus lens 76. In one example embodiment,magnetic focus lens 76 is an electronic steel having an iron siliconalloy with around 3.2% silicon content to enhance magnetic permeability.A motor 84 rotates a motor wheel 82 engaged with an arm 80 to adjust theamount of magnetic flux applied by the magnetic focus lens 76 to steelwheel 74.

FIG. 4 depicts permanent magnet 78 in contact with magnetic focus lens76 to maximize the amount of magnetic flux applied to steel wheel 74 sothat a fully available scroll wheel tactile feedback is provided. Motorwheel 82 rotates a pin 88 fit into a slot of arm 80 to a 9 o'clockposition to bring permanent magnet 78 in contact with magnetic focuslens 76 for creating the maximal magnetic flux at steel wheel 74. FIG.4B depicts a side view of the scroll wheel system having motor wheel 82rotated upward to an 11 o'clock position so that arm 80 is pulled byengagement of pin 88 in the slot 90 away from magnetic focus lens 76,thus creating space between permanent magnet 78 and magnetic focus lens76, effectively cutting to zero the amount of magnetic flux applied tosteel wheel 74. In operation, motor 84 turns motor wheel 82 so that pin88 rotates to a 9 o'clock position to bring permanent magnet 78 incontact with magnetic focus lens 76. When an end user spins scroll wheel44, steel wheel 74 fixedly coupled to scroll wheel 44 turnssynchronously with scroll wheel 44 so that geared-spikes rotate pastmagnetic focus lens 76. Spikes that pass near magnetic focus lens 76generate a greater magnetic attraction than the valley between thespikes due to changes in distance between the magnetic focus lens andthe ferromagnetic material of steel wheel 74 based on whether a spike ora valley aligns with magnetic focus lens 76. Although the exampleembodiment moves permanent magnet 78 into and out of contact withmagnetic focus lens 76 to turn magnetic flux high or low in a binarymanner, an alternative embodiment may move magnetic focus lens 76 tohave a greater and lesser distance to steel wheel 74 to adjust themagnetic force that operates against rotation of steel wheel 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, an alternative system is depictedfor providing variable scroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel. Scrollwheel 44 rotates in a cradle 72 with a steel wheel 74 havinggeared-spikes coupled in a fixed manner as described above. Steel wheel74 may be made of any high magnetic permeable material, such as variousferromagnetic alloys including silicon iron alloys, and may have othertypes of forms that vary the distance of the steel wheel material to amagnetic lens during rotation with the minimum to maximum distanceoccurring in a manner associated with a desired scroll wheel tactilefeel or response. A focus lens assembly 92 has upper and lower armsextending towards steel wheel 74 and a permanent magnet 98 coupledbetween the upper and lower arms. FIG. 5A depicts the magnetic fieldgenerated between the upper and lower arms of focus lens assembly 92,which operates with a variable magnetic attraction as steel wheel 74rotates to align spikes and valleys with the upper and lower arms. Focuslens assembly 92 has a spacing between the upper and lower arms so thatspikes and valleys align synchronously with the upper and lower arms assteel wheel 74 rotates. When both the upper and lower arms of focus lensassembly 92 align with spikes of steel wheel 74, magnetic attraction isgreatest; and when both the upper and lower arms of focus lens assembly92 align with a valley between the spikes of steel wheel 74, magneticattraction is least. A motor 96 couples to a rotating arm 94 thatsupports a second permanent magnet 100. FIG. 5A depicts second permanentmagnet 100 displaced from alignment with focus lens assembly 92 so thatthe magnetic field 102 of first magnet 98 operates through the extendingarms of focus lens assembly 92 on steel wheel 74. FIG. 5B depicts secondpermanent magnet 100 rotated by rotating arm 94 and motor 96 to alignwithin focus lens assembly 92. In the example embodiment, first andsecond permanent magnets 98 and 100 have opposite polar alignments asdepicted by FIG. 5B so that alignment of second permanent magnet 100within focus lens assembly 92 has the effect of turning off magneticfield 102 attraction operating against steel wheel 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, an alternative system is depicted forproviding variable scroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel. In theexample embodiment, scroll wheel 44 couples with steel wheel 74 havinggeared-spikes that vary magnetic attraction relative to a permanentmagnet 108 having a Halbach array. As is described above, the distancebetween spikes and valleys of the steel wheel 74 and permanent magnet108 varies as scroll wheel 44 rotates to provide the variable spin speedand tactile feel. The Halbach array provides a magnetic attraction withnorth and south poles on the side of the magnet facing steel wheel 74and minimal magnetic flux on the opposing side. In one exampleembodiment, the Halbach array magnetic poles are spaced so that eachpole simultaneously aligns with a spike or a valley, such as with aninterval of the spikes of steel wheel 74, so that magnetic attraction ismaximized at alignment of the spikes and minimized at alignment of thevalleys. A swinging arm 106 couples through a rotating disk 104 with amotor 84 that changes the distance between permanent magnet 108 andsteel wheel 74. FIG. 6 depicts motor 84 engaging swinging arm 106 withrotating disk 104 to place permanent magnet 108 in close proximity tosteel wheel 74 so that magnetic attraction is maximized for generatingscroll wheel 44 tactile feedback. FIG. 6B depicts motor 84 rotatingswinging arm 106 through rotating disk 104 to move permanent magnet 108away from steel wheel 74 so that scroll wheel 44 has reduced magneticinteraction for a free spinning operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B, an alternative system is depictedfor providing variable scroll wheel spin speed and tactile feel. In theexample embodiment, steel wheel 74 couples to scroll wheel 44 asdescribed above so that spikes and valleys of steel wheel 74 interactwith magnetic force of a magnetic focus lens assembly 110 to vary scrollwheel rotation speed. As with the embodiment described above withrespect to FIG. 5 , magnetic focus lens assembly 110 is built withmagnetic permeable material, such as ferromagnetic material like asilicon iron alloy, and has an upper and lower arm that each extendtowards steel wheel 74 to alternatively align with spikes and valleysthat adjust the magnetic force to vary scroll wheel speed. In theexample embodiment, a shaft 112 couples to a geared wheel 114 at a baseand to a pair of support arms 118 that each hold a permanent magnet. Afirst permanent magnet couples in place within magnetic focus lensassembly 110 having a first polarity, such as north at top and south atbottom. Geared wheel 114 engages with a rotating wheel assembly 116 andmotor 84 so that operation of motor 84 rotates shaft 112 to select whichof the pair of support arms 118 brings a magnet into alignment withmagnetic focus lens assembly 110. FIG. 7A depicts alignment of a secondpermanent magnet 118 having the same polarity orientation as the firstpermanent magnet with magnetic focus lens assembly 110 so that thecombined magnetic attraction of both the first and second magnetsoperate against the steel wheel 74, as shown. FIG. 7B depicts wheel 114rotated to rotate shaft 112 so that a third magnet 120 with an oppositepolarity orientation of the first magnet aligns with magnetic focus lensassembly 110 instead of the second magnet 118. The opposite polarityconfigurations of the first and third magnets aligned with magneticfocus lens assembly 110 cancels the magnetic attraction directed towardssteel wheel 74 so that scroll wheel 44 rotates freely.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a flow diagram depicts a process forautomatically activating fast and normal scroll wheel rotation. Theprocess starts at step 122 with power applied to the mouse and at step124 the mouse detects scroll wheel rotation provided with normal tactilefeedback by magnetic attraction proximate the steel wheel that changesas spikes and valleys pass by the magnet as the steel wheel rotatessynchronously with the scroll wheel. At step 126, the Hall sensor orother position sensor detects scroll wheel rotation, such as by sensingmovement of a magnet coupled to the scroll wheel and synchronouslyrotating with the scroll wheel. At step 128, the Hall sensor or otherposition sensor detects a pulse rate associated with the rotation of thescroll wheel and indicative of the scroll wheel rotation rate. At step130, a processing resource of the mouse, such as a microcontroller unit(MCU) receives the pulse rate to report the scroll wheel input to aninformation handling system. At step 132, a determination is made ofwhether the pulse rate exceeds a threshold pulse rate associated with afast scroll rate. If not, the process returns to step 128 to continuemonitoring scroll wheel rotation.

If at step 132 the fast scroll threshold is exceeded, the processcontinues to step 134 at which the processing resource commands themotor to rotate from the normal scroll tactile feedback position to afast scroll position. At step 136, rotation by the motor moves thepermanent magnet relative to the magnetic focus lens to remove themagnetic field from interaction with the steel wheel. As set forthabove, the movement may pull the magnet out of alignment with themagnetic focus lens or may introduce an opposing polarity magnet tocancel the magnetic attraction. At step 138, the mouse scroll wheel willspin freely without the tactile feedback in the absence of the magneticfield. At step 140 a determination is made of whether the pulse ratedetected by the scroll wheel rotation has dropped below the fast scrollthreshold for a predetermined time. If not, the process returns to step138 to continue monitoring the pulse rate. If the pulse rate has droppedbelow the threshold, the process continues to step 142 at which theprocessing resource detects the lower pulse rate. At step 144, theprocessing resource commands the motor to rotate the magnet back intoproximity with the magnetic focus lens. At step 146, the permanentmagnet returns to proximity with the magnetic focus lens to providemagnetic attraction that works against the steel wheel and the processreturns to step 124.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a side cutaway view depicts an example of amouse 34 having a push button 46 key plate that configures to cantileverand spring types of behavior. In the example configuration of FIG. 9 , acantilever type of push button behavior is provided with a relativelylarge rotational movement about a pivot couple 150 to have a keyplateprotrusion 152 reach a switch plunger 154 of a switch 156 and pressdownward to perform an input. To provide an upward bias to button 46 apermanent magnet 162 coupled to button 46 has an opposite poleconfiguration indicated by arrow 164 relative to an electropermanentmagnet 160 coupled to a mouse main board having a power source 166. Theopposite pole configuration provides a spacing between permanent magnet162 and electropermanent magnet 160 that a press of push button 46 mustovercome to engage key plate protrusion 152 against switch plunger 154.The amount of upward bias may be adjusted by increasing or decreasingthe opposing magnetic field of electropermanent magnet 160. Generally,an electropermanent magnet is built with a permanent magnet having apole configuration and a secondary magnet having a coil 158 that acceptscurrent to change the polarity of the secondary magnet. When thepermanent magnet and secondary magnet have the same polarity, themagnetic field is cumulative of both magnets. When the permanent magnetand secondary magnets have opposite polarity, the magnetic fields canceleach other so that the external magnetic field is near zero. In theexample embodiment, the magnetic attraction or repulsion provided by theelectropermanent magnet 160 is managed by a processing resource thatsets current at one or more coils to adjust one or more magnetic fieldsin an array of permanent magnets and electromagnets, such as with one ormore MCU GPIO pins. In alternative embodiments, other adjustments to thebias working upwards at button 46 may be used, such as electromagnets ormechanical springs.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingmouse input button cantilever behavior for a push button. The processstarts at step 168 with power up of the mouse. At step 170 a pulse ofcurrent is applied to the electropermanent magnet coil to adjust themagnetic pole configuration and turn “on” the electropermanent magnet.At step 172, the current applied to the coil adjusts the magnetic poleconfiguration of the magnet array of the electropermanent magnet so thatboth magnets of the electropermanent magnet array have the samepolarity, which is also the same polarity of the permanent magnetcoupled to the mouse push button and opposed to the electropermanentmagnet. At step 174, the permanent magnet of the push button and theelectropermanent magnet oppose each other to create a repeling forcethat pushes the key plate of the push button upward and away from theinput switch. At step 176, a determination is made of whether the keyplate repulsing force provides sufficient spring back force for thedesired cantilever behavior of the input button. If yes, the processends at step 180. If not, the process continues to step 178 to increasethe current on the electropermanent magnet so that a stronger repulsingforce is created and then returns to step 174. Setting the repulsingforce may be performed manually by an end user to a desired preferenceresponse, or automatically based upon how presses are performed at themouse button.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a side cutaway view depicts an example of amouse 34 having a push button 46 key plate that configures to cantileverand spring types of behavior. In the example configuration of FIG. 11 ,a spring type of push button behavior is provided with a relativelysmall rotational movement about a pivot couple 150 to have a keyplateprotrusion 152 reach a switch plunger 154 of a switch 156 and pressdownward to perform an input. In the example embodiment, magneticattraction is established by configuration of the magnetic polarity ofelectropermanent magnet 160 with current from a power source 166 to acoil 158 so that an attractive magnetic force is provided relative topermanent magnet 162. The amount of magnetic attraction is sufficient tobring key plate protrusion 152 downward against switch plunger 154 ofswitch 156 without actuating a switch input by pressing down on switchplunger 154 with sufficient input force. The attractive magnetic forcereduces the gap between key plate protrusion 152 and switch plunger 154to zero so that an input force by an end user pressing at push button 46will result in an input click with minimal push button movement.Although the example embodiment depicts opposite magnetic poles to bringmember 152 towards switch 156, a neutral ferromagnetic material may besufficient for the magnet 162 to attain the desired position withoutactivating the opposite pole of magnet 160.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingmouse input button spring type behavior for a push button. The processstarts at step 182 with power up of the mouse. At step 184 a pulse ofcurrent is applied to the electropermanent magnet coil to adjust themagnetic pole configuration and turn “on” the electropermanent magnetwith a reverse current and polarity direction from that of FIG. 10 . Atstep 186, the current applied to the coil adjusts the magnetic poleconfiguration of the magnet array of the electropermanent magnet so thatboth magnets of the electropermanent magnet array have the samepolarity, which is also the opposite polarity of the permanent magnetcoupled to the mouse push button and opposed to the electropermanentmagnet. At step 188, the permanent magnet of the push button and theelectropermanent magnet oppose each other to create an attracting forcethat pulls the key plate of the push button downward and towards theinput switch. At step 190, a determination is made of whether the keyplate attracting force provides sufficient or excessive force for thedesired spring type behavior of the input button. For instance, theattractive force should keep the amount of movement to make an input atthe push button minimal but not so excessive that inadvertent inputswill result. If yes, the process ends at step 194. If not, the processcontinues to step 192 to increase or decrease the current on theelectropermanent magnet so that a stronger or weaker attracting force iscreated as desired and then returns to step 188. Setting the attractingforce may be performed manually by an end user to a desired preferenceresponse, or automatically based upon how presses are performed at themouse button.

Referring now to FIGS. 13, 13A and 13B, a power system is depicted towake a mouse from an off power state that avoids passive powerdissipation. FIG. 13 depicts the motion power switch 202 coupled to amouse printed circuit board 200 within a transparent view of mouse 34.Generally, mouse 34 has a processing resource on printed circuit board200, such as an MCU, that commands a sleep state when mouse 34 meetspredetermined conditions of nonuse, such as resting without motion for apredetermined time. In one sleep state, movement detected by a positionsensor wakes the mouse, such as with a GPIO signal to the processingresource. As an alternative another sleep state is monitored by anaccelerometer that wakes the processing resource when movement isdetected. As yet another alternative, another sleep state puts allresources to sleep and wakes when a physical input is made by the enduser, such as a button press or scroll wheel rotation. Each of thesesleep states use some level of power, either due to power applied to thesensor that detects motion or some minor level of power consumed by theprocessing resource in a low power sleep state due to passive powerdissipation. Motion power switch eliminates all power consumption in asleep state and powers up mouse 34 when motion is detected to allow anend user to continue mouse use similar to the use case of a conventionalsleep state. When the predetermined sleep conditions are detected, theprocessing resource commands the power supply to switch off, eliminatingall power dissipation and preventing return to a power on state by acommand of the processing resource. When motion is detected by motionpower switch 202, power is applied to the processing resource so thatthe processing resource can determine whether to continue sleeping orreturn to the power on state.

FIG. 13A depicts a side perspective view of motion power switch 202mounted on printed circuit board 200. A nonconductive holder 208, suchas plastic material, couples to printed circuit board 200 and contains aconductive cap 204 that encloses a conductive ball bearing 206. FIG. 13Bdepicts a side cutaway view of motion power switch 202 having a centralconductive cup 210 on which conductive ball bearing 206 rests.Conductive cap 204 has a conductive wireline or structure 212 thatpasses through printed circuit board 200 so that both conductive cup 210and conductive cap 204 form an incomplete or open circuit thatconductive ball bearing 206 can close when motion of mouse 34 works topress conductive ball bearing 206 against both conductive cup 210 andconductive cap 204. When the circuit of motion power switch 202 closes,power is applied to the processing resource so that the mouse is poweredfor use and the processing resource can monitor the use to determine ifthe power up or power down state is appropriate. In the exampleembodiment, the conductive cup, ball bearing and cap are a steel and/orcopper material, although other materials may be used as appropriate. Inthe off state of the mouse, current is made available at conductive cup210 to flow through conductive ball bearing 26 to conductive cap 204when movement causes the conductive ball to contact both the conductivecup and the conductive cap; applying current at conductive cup 210limits the risk of an inadvertent ground to the conductive cap causing acomplete circuit, however, current may be applied in an oppositedirection. Only a brief completion of the circuit is needed to switchpower back on to the processing resource so that the processing resourcecan determine whether to continue applying power or switch back off.

Referring now to FIGS. 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D, a flow diagram andassociated circuit diagrams depict operation of the motion power switch202 illustrated in FIG. 13 above. Generally, a power connection to themouse processing resource 232, labeled as an exemplary MCU in thefigures, at mouse position tracking sensor 234 has two paths. One pathis a normal operating path enabled by end user selection of power onwith a power switch 238. The other path is through the motion powerswitch enabled when motion closes the circuit by touching the ballbearing against the conductive cap. When the mouse is stationary,control of the power connection switches to the motion power switch 242,which has an open circuit, while the rest of the mouse powers off toeliminate power consumption. When the mouse moves, the motion powerswitch closes the power circuit to power up the entire mouse, includingthe MCU processing resource, momentarily. Once awake, the MCU processingresource switches back to the normal operating path until another powerdown is appropriate due to lack of motion. Although not depicted in theexample, logic of the processing resource monitors the motion powerswitch for a stuck on position, such as might happen at a tipped desktopsurface, to apply conventional sleep logic where the motion power switchmotion indication is not consistent with detected mouse use.

At step 220 of FIG. 14 , the process detects movement of the mouse, suchas with the position sensor, an accelerometer and the motion powerswitch. With reference to FIG. 14A, in response to detection of mousemovement, switch A labeled 236 closes to directly power the MCUprocessing resource 232 and position sensor 234. Switch B labeled 240 iscommanded open to remove power detection signals of motion power switch242, which may periodically close in response to movement but has nopower applied. At step 222 a determination is made of whether movementis detected at the mouse, such as by monitoring positions reported byposition sensor 234. If motion is detected, such as with logic of theMCU processing resource, the process returns to step 220 to continuenormal use of the mouse in the power on state. If motion is not detectedat step 222 for a predetermined time, the process continues to step 224to enter a low power state. With reference to FIG. 14B, at step 224switch A labeled 236 is commanded to an open position so that power isremoved from the processing resource and position sensor and switch Blabeled 240 is closed to enable monitoring by the motion power switch202. With no motion applied to the mouse, the lack of power providedthrough motion power switch 202 powers down the entire mouse.

At step 226, the mouse is monitored in the power off state with themotion power switch so that no power is consumed until motion isdetected. Once motion is detected, the process continues to step 228 toreturn operative control of the mouse to the MCU processing resource232. With reference to FIG. 14C, the ball bearing movement within themotion power switch 242 closes the circuit to provide power to positionsensor 234 and MCU processing resource 232. With completion of the powercircuit, MCU processing resource 232 confirms movement of the mouse asdetected by position sensor 234. At step 230 and with reference to FIG.14D, switch A labeled 236 is closed to provide normal operating powerconditions at the mouse so that MCU processing resource 232 can monitoruse and control the power state. Switch B labeled 240 is opened toremove power control from motion power switch 242. Operational controlof the mouse remains with MCU processing resource 232 and the processreturns to step 222 to continue monitoring whether motion is detected atthe mouse.

Referring now to FIGS. 15, 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D, an example is depictedof a system configured to manage mouse click sound volume when a mouseinput button is pressed. FIG. 15 depicts mouse 34 with a transparentperspective view that illustrates an example of an acoustic isolationsystem 250 to manage the audible feedback of mouse input clickstranslated from an upper surface input button through a member 262 topress an input switch within the mouse housing. Acoustic isolationsystem 250 has a stationary front half coupled to a sliding rear halfthat adjusts the space for sound to exit from the switch. An insulatinglayer couples to the inner wall of each half to absorb sound and blocknoise from propagating out the side of the material while an openingabove the switch, when space is created by sliding the rear half fromthe front half, provides a sound chamber exit that can amplify anddirect the sound out when desired. An end user selects the amount ofaudible feedback with an external selector that moves the rear half ofthe system to close or open the space above the switch.

FIG. 15A depicts a detailed perspective view of acoustic isolationsystem 250 having a rear half 252 slid to a forward position asindicated by arrow 256 relative to a front half 254, which has a fixedposition relative to a switch 264 held within the enclosed space. Withthe rear half 252 slid full forward, a small opening 258 is providedthrough which member 262 extends down into the interior to engage withswitch 264. The opening 258 may have insulation and a rubber or otherseal that aids in attenuation of sound created by switch actuation fromleaving the acoustically isolated area. FIG. 15B depicts a detailedperspective view of acoustic isolation system 250 having a rear halfslid rearward to provide an opening 260 above a contained area withinrear half 252 that amplifies the sound generated by switch actuation inan echo chamber and directs the sound out from the mouse. FIG. 15Cdepicts a side cutaway view of acoustic isolation system 250 in an openposition so that switch sounds are directed out from the mouse. Member262 enters through the front opening to engage against an input plunger268 of switch 264 so that presses of an upper button surface on themouse chassis translates to a mouse button “click” input. The areabehind switch 264 echoes the click sound and, with the rear half slidrearward to open the area behind the switch, directs the sound up andout from the mouse. An externally exposed sliding handle 266 couples tothe rear side of acoustic isolation system 250 so that an end user canselect a quiet operating mode or an audio feedback operating mode. FIG.15D depicts sliding handle 266 slid to a forward position so that therear side 252 slides forward to close the rear opening and locateproximate member 262 to leave minimal space for escape of audiblesounds.

Referring now to FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G and 16H, amouse sliding button with orthogonal activation is depicted. FIG. 16depicts a bottom perspective view of mouse 34 with a transparent view ofbottom surface 48 showing the interaction of a dual-action power button274 with a printed circuit board 276. The dual-action power button 274slides within a cavity of bottom surface 48 between an off position andan on position to turn power on and off at mouse 34. In addition, oncedual action power button 274 slides to an on position, a press inputbecomes available as an additional input that can activate functions atmouse 34, such as wireless advertising or changes to mouse positionsensor sensitivity. FIG. 16A depicts a detailed perspective view of thesliding power button 278 that translates sliding movement as an input toa sliding switch 280. FIG. 16B depicts a transparent detailedperspective view of sliding power button 278 to illustrate the locationof a tactile switch 282 under sliding power button 278 that isaccessible through vertical movement of sliding power button 278 once ithas slid to the on position. While mouse 34 remains on with the slidingpower switch in the on position, a press inward at the sliding powerbutton provides an input at tactile switch 282. Once the sliding powerswitch slides to off, the tactile switch 282 is prevented fromactuation. The combined placement of both switches in one location savesspace at the bottom surface 48 for more efficient interactions. Althoughthe example embodiment uses a tactile switch for actuation after slidingthe power switch on, alternative embodiments may use alternative switchinterfaces that activate based upon a sliding power switch slid to an onposition. As an example, sliding the power switch on may expose acapacitive sensor to detect a secondary input that is confirmed withhaptic feedback. Other types of buttons may be used.

FIG. 16C depicts a bottom view of the dual position power button in anoff position and having a cross-sectional view indicated as shown byFIG. 16D. In the off position, sliding power button 278 is capturedunder a button holder 286 lip to prevent an inward motion of slidingpower button 278 while allowing a sliding movement. Sliding switch 280interfaces at an actuator 290 with sliding power button 278 so thatsliding movement provides an input to power up and power down the mouseat power switch 280. Tactile switch 282 couples to a printed circuitboard 276 within a cavity formed by sliding power button 278, as isillustrated by the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16D. A spring plate 284is configured to bias downward against sliding power button 278 toprevent an inadvertent input to tactile switch 282, although in the offposition shown by FIGS. 16C and 16D, the lip of button holder 286prevents an inward vertical movement of sliding power switch 278 thatwould actuate tactile switch 282.

FIG. 16E depicts a bottom view of the dual position power button in anon position and having no actuation of tactile switch 282, and across-sectional view indicated by FIG. 16F. To slide to the on position,sliding power button 278 moves as indicated by arrow 292 within a cavityof bottom surface 48. In the on position, the rear edge of sliding powerbutton 278 is released from under button holder 286 lip, yet biaseddownward by spring 284 so that tactile switch 282 is not actuated.Sliding motion of sliding power switch 278 moves power switch 280actuator 290 to the on position and aligns a ramp 288 formed in slidingpower switch 278 with an open area above so that sliding power switch278 is free to move inward if pressed upward by an end user from themouse bottom surface. FIG. 16G depicts a bottom view of the dualposition power button in an on position and having a press inward toactuate tactile switch 282. The upward press causes a lift up of slidingpower button 278 at the rear side as indicated by arrow 294 so that arotational movement as indicated by arrow 296 results in orthogonaltriggering of tactile switch 282. Cross-sectional view depicted by FIG.16H depicts an upward and inward push of sliding power button 278 asindicated by arrow 294 to overcome the downward bias of spring 284 sothat tactile switch 282 is actuated. A range of pivot rotation asindicated by arrow 296 is set based upon engagement of ramp 288 againstthe printed circuit board 276 bottom surface. Spring 284 returns slidingpower button 278 to a neutral position shown in FIG. 16F when the inputin released by the end user.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , an upper perspective view of a keyboarddepicts an example of plural directional microphones that cooperate toimprove an end user audio capture experience. In the example embodiment,keyboard 32 has three microphones 300, 302 and 304, configured tocapture end user speech along a defined reception range and field ofview while dropping sounds that originate outside the defined receptionrange and field of view. As an example, microphones 300, 302 and 304cooperate through a processing resource to limit captured sounds tothose within 120 degrees of the front side of keyboard 32 and having arange of one meter or less. Sounds of people talking off of the definedfield of view, such as the sounds indicated by lines 306, or outside ofthe defined one meter range, are dropped so that an end user engaged ina videoconference will have only desired audio communicated over thevideoconference. A display 346 coupled in keyboard 32 provides a visualindication to an end user of the captured audio, as described below, andallows the end user to adjust the microphone array audio capture, suchas by changing the defined range and field of view in which audio iscaptured. For example, display 346 includes a touchscreen to directlylaunch a microphone array application, track microphone arrayperformance and adjust audio capture definitions.

In the example embodiment, microphones 300, 302 and 304 are placed in aninverted triangle configuration around the periphery of display 346 atleast 50 mm horizontally or diagonally spaced. A processing resource,such as a digital signal processor (DSP), interfaces with themicrophones to monitor captured sounds at each microphone usingtriangulation to identify sounds that originate in the defined range andfield of view. When an end user speaks in front of keyboard 32, eachmicrophone captures the audio of the end user voice with a difference intime of capture for each microphone based upon the location of the enduser to each microphone. As an example, the DSP bases the difference inrange of each microphone to the source of the speech based upon ananalysis of the wave phases detected for each microphone, such as withan artificial intelligence algorithm. The distance for each microphoneprovides triangulation to the source of captured audio for comparisonwith the defined capture distance and field of view. In one embodiment,a second DSP receives the captured audio identified as being in rangeand field of view or out of range and field of view, and then filtersthe desired audio to remove audio associated with capture outside of thedefined range and field of view. The filter may include separate filtersteps to remove out-of-range human voice and to remove non-human soundscompletely.

Referring now to FIG. 18 , a block diagram depicts digital signalprocessing that provides filtered human voice captured in a definedrange and field of view of a keyboard having an array of microphones. Inthe example embodiment, a microphone array 310, such as the threemicrophone array shown in FIG. 17 , detects audible sounds and providesthe audible sounds to a first processing resource 312 within an audioprocessing system 308. For example, processing resource 312 is a firstdigital signal processor (DSP) having artificial intelligence humanvoice analysis that calculates and determines voice angle and distancesfor detected voice sounds and processes only voices from a defined rangeand field of view relative to microphone array 310. As described above,the identification of voice range and vector is based upon triangulationfrom differences in time of reception of the voice sounds at eachmicrophone. The filtering of voices outside of the defined range andfield of view is applied based upon the comparison of received voices ateach microphone of microphone array 310. Once the voice logic ofprocessing resource 312 is complete, the voice sounds isolated in thedesired distance and range are provided to a second processing resource314, such a second DSP, to remove nonhuman sounds. The processed speechis then communicated from the audio system, such as by wireless personalarea network signals 316, i.e., with a BLUETOOTH interface of keyboard32 to an information handling system managing a videoconference.Although multiple DSP's are described in the above example embodiment,the voice location, selection and filtering may be performed by a singleDSP.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingvoice sounds captured at a keyboard microphone array for use in an audioor video conference supported by an information handling system. Theprocess starts at step 320 with reception by an array of three or moremicrophones of voice sounds conditioned on detection within a range ofone meter or less and an angular field of view coverage of within 120degrees of the front face of a keyboard. At step 322, as a singlespeaker voice is detected, the three microphones of the array detect thevoice with a different phase to determine a distance of the voice soundtravel to each microphone, such as based upon a defined angular anddistance separation between the microphones. At step 324, a firstartificial intelligence logic executing on a first DSP processingresource calculates the average time each microphone receives the soundbased upon voice wave phase differences. At step 326, based upon thethree microphone average reception times, the artificial intelligencelogic estimates the angle and distance of the speaker position relativeto the microphone array. At step 328, the artificial intelligence logiccompares the converged location of the speaker voice to the predefinedrange of non-filtered voice, such as a range of less than one meter andwithin 120 degrees of the front of the keyboard. At step 330 adetermination is made of whether an identified speaker voice fallswithin the defined range, such as one meter and 120 degrees of the frontof the keyboard. If the voice is outside of the defined range, theprocess continues to step 332 to reject the voice. If at step 330 thevoice is within the defined range and field of view, the processcontinues to step 334 to accept the voice and process the speech. Atstep 336 a determination is made of whether the accepted speech hassufficient quality. If not, the process continues to step 340 to providea visual indication to the end user of poor speech quality so that theend user can take appropriate steps to improve the quality. If at step336 the quality is sufficient, the process continues to step 338 toindicate at the display a good speech level and to step 342 to outputthe audio to an information handling system, such as through a BLUETOOTHinterface of the keyboard.

Referring now to FIG. 20 , an example embodiment depicts presentation ata keyboard 32 integrated display 346 of audio capture conditions for amicrophone array integrated in keyboard 32. In the example embodiment,display 346 is an LCD display that depicts microphone and speakercontrols when an information handling system application is using thekeyboard to capture audio in support of a conference. At each microphonelocation a microphone usage state light 352 is illuminated to show wheneach microphone is active, such as with a white light when active and ared light when inactive. Microphone usage state lights 352 may bepresented as part of the display presentation or may be a separate LEDdisposed under the display to illuminate when appropriate. A dynamicvolume bar 348 presented at the upper portion of display 346 visuallydepicts the quality of the audio captured by the microphones. Forinstance, the DSP processing the audio or an MCU supporting the DSP andwireless communication interfaces with the display through a GPIO thatoutputs a speech quality indicator. In the example of FIG. 20 , threewhite lights indicate active operation of the microphones and a fulldynamic volume bar indicates good quality audio is being captured. Forinstance, the speaker is within the 1 meter and 120 degree field of viewzone and is speaking with adequate volume. Control icons 350 provide anend user with controls to manage a video conference, such as turning onand off a camera, muting audio capture, changing speaker volume, endingthe call, etc. . . . .

Referring now to FIG. 21 , keyboard 32 has a display 346 that presentslow audio capture quality. In the example, microphone usage state lights352 may turn a different color, such as red, or may flash to indicatemicrophone difficulties. Dynamic volume bar 348 shows a decreased lengththat corresponds to a level of quality captured by the microphones. Ahead icon 340 depicts an up arrow to suggest that the end user speak ina louder voice. In addition, information may be presented at the displayshowing the position of detected speakers relative to the zone in whichvoice is accepted and captured for use in a conference audio. Forexample display 346 may present an estimate location of detectedspeakers relative to a zone of captured speech to alert the end userthat some speakers are being filtered out and to allow the end user toselect a larger zone or to turn off the filtering so that all audio isincluded in the captured audio.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , a flow diagram depicts a process forindicating at a keyboard display a quality of audio captured by thekeyboard microphone array. The process starts at step 362 with amicrophone signal 362 communicated to a DSP processing resource 360. Atstep 364, artificial intelligence executing on the DSP processingresource isolates desired speech audible sound from speech outside ofthe desired zone and from non-human sounds. At step 366, level detectorlogic analyzes the captured sounds to determine the quality of thecaptured sounds for presentation at the keyboard display. At step 368, amapping of the captured speech quality is provided to applicationsexecuting on the information handling system that are using the speech,such as a mapping to ZOOM or TEAMS of loudness levels of the capturedspeech. In addition, the mapping can provide estimates of locations ofspeakers relative to the keyboard for presentation by the applicationand at the keyboard display, including a location of speakers who arefiltered out of the captured audio. At step 370 a signal powercalculation is performed on the captured audio to determine the speechvolume. At step 372, an envelope detection analysis is performed todetermine the speaker locations. At step 374 a moving average control isapplied to the volume and location analysis to smooth the calculateddata. At step 376, the volume and location of the captured audio iscompared against a quality threshold. A GPIO of the DSP processingresource outputs the quality to an MCU processing resource 378 of thekeyboard for analysis and presentation at the keyboard display. Basedupon the DSP GPIO output, instructions executing on the MCU processingresource determine a light status for the microphones. At step 380, ifthe captured audio is above the audible threshold, the processilluminates a white color at step 382 for each of the microphone lightindicators. If the captured audio at step 380 is below the audiblethreshold, the process illuminates a red color at step 384.

Referring now to FIG. 23 , a block diagram depicts a system for managinga keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch 402 of a display through akeyboard integrate display 346. Display 30 includes a KVM switch 402that interfaces with keyboard 32 and mouse 34 through cabledconnections, such as USB cables, to coordinate use of the keyboard andmouse with each of plural information handling systems 10. For instance,KVM switch 402 is managed by a scalar 400 of display 30 so that an enduser can interact through an onscreen display menu (OSD) of display 30to select which information handling system 10 presents visual images atdisplay 30 and receives end user inputs from the keyboard and mouse. KVMswitch 402 is a convenient tool for situations where an end user hasmultiple information handling systems in concurrent use, such as a workstation having a desktop system where the end user also brings aportable system. The conventional end user interface with KVM switch 402selects which information handling system 10 is active through buttonsor a joystick of display 30 that controls an onscreen display menupresented by scalar 400. This type of control is awkward for an end userwho has to reach to the display and navigate the onscreen display menumanually over top of the visual images presented by the activeinformation handling system. To simplify KVM switch interactions,display 346 of keyboard 32 presents a KVM user interface with a KVMmanager 406 stored in non-transitory memory of MCU processing resource404 that executes in cooperation with scalar 400. Although the exampleembodiment depicts a wired connection between the keyboard, mouse andthe KVM switch, alternative embodiments may use a wireless interfacethrough WNIC 24.

To present KVM switch control at keyboard display 346, KVM manager 406duplicates the display onscreen menu of scalar 400 with its KVMfunctionality for touch interactions through keyboard display 346. Theend user is provided an icon on display 346 to activate the KVM menu atdisplay 346 so that control of selection of an active informationhandling system is at the end user's fingertips with touch inputs to theonscreen display menu through keyboard display 346. This allows an enduser to readily toggle between information handling systems withoutdisruption of the display presentation by the onscreen display menu atdisplay 30. KVM manager 406 may present the KVM control menu in avariety of ways. In one example embodiment, a copy of the KVM controlmenu is stored in flash memory of MCU processing resource 404 andactivated by a touch at an icon that responds to activation by showinginformation handling systems available to select with an additionaltouch. Selection of an information handling system for interaction withthe KVM switch at display 346 is communicated through the keyboardwireless or wired interface and performed by scalar 400, such as throughan I2C or other interface.

Referring now to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 , example embodiments depict thetype of KVM control available through a keyboard touchscreen display.FIG. 24 depicts first and second information handling systems 10 thateach interface with display through a video cable 28 and a USB cable 390or similar data interface. An end user toggles an icon presented atkeyboard 32 to alternatively interface keyboard 32, mouse 34 and display30 with each information handling system 10. FIG. 25 depicts analternative presentation of visual images at display 30 that an end usercan select from the keyboard display. In the example embodiment, display30 shows a first window 392 having visual information from a first ofthe two information handling systems 10, and a second window 394 havingvisual information from a second of the two information handling systems10. In this example embodiment, display 30 may alternate control ofkeyboard 32 and mouse 34 based upon which of windows 392 and 394 areactive, or the active information handling system may be selectedthrough the keyboard display. FIG. 26 depicts another alternativepresentation having keyboard 32 and mouse 34 interfaced through onedisplay 30 and a second display 30 having a daisy chain interface withthe first display. In this example embodiment, communications betweenthe displays 30, such as with the DisplayPort protocol, coordinatesselection of KVM switch interfaces with each of the information handlingsystems 10. For instance, the displays may both present visual imagesfrom one information handling system 10 that also interfaces with themouse and keyboard. Alternatively, each display may present visualinformation of one of the information handling systems 10 while keyboardand mouse control is managed by selections made at a display of keyboard32. In various embodiments, control of KVM switch interfaces may bemanaged with instructions stored and executed on keyboard 32 thatcommand KVM actions, by instructions of a scalar of a display 30 thatdefines the interface shown at the keyboard display, and/or instructionsof an operating system on one of the information handling systems thatprovides the keyboard display control user interface based upon the typeof displays found by the operating system.

Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, a flow diagram depicts an exampleembodiment of keyboard touchscreen KVM control and associated useinterfaces. The process starts at step 410 with one keyboard connecteddirectly to a first monitor through a USB cable, USB hub, wirelessdongle or other interface. At step 412 an end user controls a firstinformation handling system and first display having an integrated KVMswitch with the keyboard through a USB upstream interface from thedisplay to the information handling system. For instance, keyboardinputs are communicate to the display KVM switch and from the KVM switchto the first information handling system. At step 414, the end userdecides to change the keyboard to interface with a second informationhandling system with a command provided through a touchscreen displayintegrated in the keyboard. In the example embodiment, a user interface416 illustrates an example of a keyboard display user interface havingan “OSD” icon that the end user presses to initiate presentation of anonscreen display menu with controls to select KVM switch interfaces tothe first and second information handling systems. At step 418, inresponse to selection of the OSD icon, the keyboard display presents anOSD menu having a graphical user interface with commands available forselection of KVM switch interfaces. For instance, the graphical userinterface 420 presents OSD menu options stored in non-transient memoryof the keyboard. In the example embodiment, the end user can manage allof the display OSD menu items, such as brightness and contrast. At step422, the end user selects the KVM switch icon to initiate control of theKVM switch. In response at step 422 of a press at the OSD menu icon, thekeyboard display graphical user interface 424 presents graphical userinterface 426 providing the end user with a selection of the first orsecond information handling system to receive the KVM switch upstreamcommunications from the keyboard and mouse.

Upon toggling from the first information handling system to the secondinformation handling system at step 422, the process continues to step428 at which the first display receives the upstream toggle OSD commandfrom the keyboard display. At step 430, the USB hub of the KVM switchconverts the onscreen display command to an I2C signal for applicationat the KVM switch. The process continues to step 432 at which the firstdisplay scalar receives the I2C command and routes the command to theonboard OSD processing resource, such as an integrated circuitmicrocontroller unit included in the first display. At step 436 thefirst display KVM processing resource receives the command to switch theupstream destination for the keyboard and mouse inputs directed to theKVM switch and, at step 438 commands a change in the destination of themouse and keyboard inputs to the second information handling system.Once the keyboard display graphical user interface changes theinformation handling system that is active, the process continues tostep 440 at which the end user can select a graphical user interface 442that presents a quick toggle capability to command a change in the KVMswitch configuration with a single touch. The quick toggle icon ofgraphical user interface 442 may remain active and presented at thekeyboard display automatically when the keyboard detects an interface toan information handling system through a KVM switch.

Referring now to FIG. 28 , an example embodiment depicts management ofdual display and dual information handling system KVM interfaces with akeyboard display. At step 444, the keyboard 32 connects via a USBinterface, such as through a wireless dongle 450, to a first display 30and first information handling system 10. In the example embodiment,keyboard 32 inputs are communicated through the KVM switch of the firstdisplay 30 through and upstream 1 interface and visual information isprovided from the first information handling system 10 through a video 1cable for presentation at the first display 30. The KVM switch in thefirst display coordinates interactions with the first informationhandling system so that at step 444 keyboard 32 inputs are sent to thefirst information handling system at step 446. In addition, the secondinformation handling system 10 interfaces with a second display 30through a second video cable and with the first display through anupstream cable that is not active since the first display KVM iscommunicating keyboard inputs to the first information handling system.Keyboard 32 includes integrated touchscreen display 346 that presents agraphical user interface to control selection of KVM switchcommunication configuration for the KVM switch included in the firstdisplay. At step 448, an input at a graphical user interface presentedby keyboard display 346 commands a change in control at the KVM from thefirst information handling system to the second information handlingsystem with an input at the KVM icon of the onscreen display menuoptions.

In response to the command from the keyboard display 346, at step 452the KVM switch reconfigures so that keyboard inputs communicate from KVMswitch of the first display to the second information handling system.In the example embodiment, each information handling system 10 continuesto present visual images at the display to which the video of theinformation handling system is coupled, however, keyboard 32 key inputsare directed to each information handling system individually so that,at step 452, keyboard inputs communicated to the second informationhandling system will be shown at the second display and will be used forexecution on the second information handling system. At step 452,keyboard inputs are communicated to the second information handlingsystem 10 for use by the second information handling system at thesecond display at step 454. In an alternative embodiment, the upstreamcable connection between the first monitor and the second informationhandling system may include a daisy chain or other downstream videocapability so that keyboard display 346 can also command a change at theKVM of the first display regarding presentation of visual images by thefirst or second information handling system.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

1. An information handling system comprising: a processor operable toexecute instructions to process information; a memory interfaced withthe processor and operable to store the information and instructions; adisplay interfaced with the processor and operable to present theinformation as visual images; and a mouse interfaced with the processor,the mouse having a position sensor operable to detect movement forcursor position control of a cursor presented at the display, the mousehaving an input button exposed at an upper surface, the input buttonselectively configured to move a first distance to actuate a switch anda second distance to actuate the switch, the second distance greaterthan the first distance, the selection of the first and second distanceperformed at least in part by turning an electropermanent magnet on tocreate a magnetic field and turning the electropermanent magnet off toremove the magnetic field.
 2. The information handling system of claim 1wherein the mouse further comprises: an arrangement of magnetsinterfaced with the input button and having a first polarityconfiguration that attracts the input button towards the switch to thefirst distance and a second polarity configuration that repels the inputbutton away from the switch to the second distance.
 3. The informationhandling system of claim 2 further comprising: at least one of thearrangement of magnets comprises the electropermanent magnet; and acurrent source interfaced with the at least one of the electropermanentmagnets and operable to apply current that adjusts the magnetic fieldgenerated at the electropermanent magnet.
 4. The information handlingsystem of claim 3 wherein the first distance has the input buttonpressing against the switch due to the magnetic attraction withinsufficient force from the magnetic attraction to actuate the switch.5. The information handling system of claim 4 further comprising: aprocessing resource disposed in the mouse and interfaced with thecurrent source; and non-transient memory interfaced with the processingresource and storing instructions that when executed on the processingresource selectively adjust the magnetic attraction based upon inputsperformed at the input button.
 6. The information handling system ofclaim 3 further comprising: an acoustic enclosure disposed in the mouseat the switch and configurable to selectively suppress sound associatedwith switch actuation or to direct the sound out from the mouse.
 7. Theinformation handling system of claim 6 wherein the acoustic enclosurecomprises: a first enclosure portion disposed at the switch; and asecond enclosure portion slidingly engaged with the first enclosureportion and having an opening, the second enclosure sliding between aclosed position that blocks the opening to suppress the switch actuationsound and an open position that exposes the opening and directs theswitch actuation sound from the mouse.
 8. The information handlingsystem of claim 7 further comprising a sliding switch exposed at abottom surface of the mouse and interfaced with the second enclosureportion to slide the second enclosure portion between the open andclosed positions.
 9. The information handling system of claim 3 furthercomprising: a scroll wheel exposed at the mouse upper surface proximatethe input button; a ferromagnetic geared wheel coupled to the scrollwheel; a Halbach magnetic array disposed proximate the ferromagneticgeared wheel and directing a magnetic field to generate a tactileresponse to rotation of the scroll wheel.
 10. A method for managing amouse input button response, the method comprising: selectivelyconfiguring the mouse button a first distance from a switch disposed inthe mouse, the mouse button moving the first distance until touching theswitch and then actuating the switch; and selectively configuring themouse button a second distance from the switch, the mouse moving thesecond distance and then actuating the switch, the second distance lessthan the first distance; wherein the selection of the first and seconddistance performed at least in part by turning an electropermanentmagnet on to create a magnetic field and turning the electropermanentmagnet off to remove the magnetic field.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein: selecting the first distance by repelling the mouse button fromthe switch with an arrangement of magnets configured to have like polesaligned; and selecting the second distance by attracting the mousebutton toward the switch with the arrangement of magnets configured tohave opposite poles.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein: at least one ofthe magnets comprises the electropermanent magnet; and the selectingcomprises apply a current to the electropermanent magnet.
 13. The methodof claim 12 wherein the second distance is in contact against the switchand the opposite poles have magnetic attraction insufficient to actuatethe switch.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: monitoringswitch actuations; and in response to the switch actuations, adjustingthe configuration of magnets.
 15. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising: coupling an acoustic enclosure at the switch; selecting afirst configuration of the acoustic enclosure to suppress a sound ofswitch actuation within the mouse; and selecting a second configurationof the acoustic enclosure to direct the sound of switch actuation outfrom the mouse.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the acousticenclosure comprises first and second portions that slide relative toeach other to open and close and opening through which switch actuationsound proceeds.
 17. A mouse comprising: a chassis; a position sensorcoupled to the chassis, the position sensor operable to detect movementof the chassis to report the movement for cursor position control of acursor presented at a display; an input button exposed at an uppersurface of the chassis, the input button selectively configured to movea first distance to actuate a switch and a second distance to actuatethe switch, the second distance greater than the first distance, theselection of the first and second distance performed at least in part byturning an electropermanent magnet on to create a magnetic field andturning the electropermanent magnet off to remove the magnetic field.18. The mouse of claim 17 further comprising an arrangement of magnetsinterfaced with the input button and having a first polarityconfiguration that attracts the input button towards the switch to thefirst distance and a second polarity configuration that repels the inputbutton away from the switch to the second distance.
 19. The mouse ofclaim 18 further comprising: at least one of the arrangement of magnetscomprises the electropermanent magnet; and a current source interfacedwith the at least one of the electropermanent magnets and operable toapply current that adjusts the magnetic field generated at theelectropermanent magnet.
 20. The mouse of claim 19 wherein the firstdistance has the input button pressing against the switch due to themagnetic attraction with insufficient force from the magnetic attractionto actuate the switch.